Harry
May 2009:
Harry's story begins like many other
Westie rescues, on the streets. He was found wandering around in the snow in
Richlands,
North Carolina, back in February
and brought to Carolina Westie Rescue in the spring of 2009.
He was brought to us by a wonderful
good Samaritan named Susan Collins. Even though he seemed to be a throwaway
dog, Harry still had a good spirit and personality. Susan informed us that
Harry had heartworms and that a previous vet had recommended that the dog be
euthanized.
Well, Westies never give up without a
fight, and we were not about to either! We carried Harry to another vet and had
a thorough exam performed. Other than his horrible ear infections, our vet told
us that Harry’s heartworms were pretty advanced and that we could try and kill
them with the slow-kill Immiticide treatment, but that he might not make it.
Our vet suggested we take Harry to the
state veterinary school in
Raleigh which has a team of
cardiologists. And so, a few days later, that’s exactly what we did. We left
Harry with those folks all day, and when we returned, we learned that Harry’s
heartworms were not as advanced as we had been told. Now, heartworms of any
sort are not a cause for celebration, but here we were thinking Harry was in an
advanced stage of heartworms and that surgery was the only solution. The
doctors at NC State told us that the slow-kill method was the correct course of
action to take, but that Harry would have to be perfectly still during
treatment. No running around the yard chasing the girl Westies, like he usually
does. Harry should be beginning his first of three Immiticide injections very
soon. As of this writing,
we are pretty upbeat about Harry’s prognosis and his making it through the
treatment. We are looking forward to the days when he can run and play with the
other Westies and not be winded. Carolina Westie Rescue would like to extend
our warmest heartfelt thanks to WestieMed for all you do for these little white
dogs.
Carolina
Westie Rescue Update March 7,
2010:
 I want to
thank Westie Med for helping to save Harry’s life. You are all wonderful for
helping him.
The long and grueling process of killing the
heartworms took months and after going through treating Harry for Heartworm
Disease Harry was hit with an acute attack of pancreatitis. Harry was left with
an enlarged heart and breathing problems that appeared to be Westie lung
Disease. Westies as we know are very resilient and Harry has a strong will to
live. Harry has always been a happy, loving, wonderful Westie even during the
times when he was so very sick. He has always had a strong will to live.
After having Harry for
almost a year we found Harry a great home with a retired couple who had a sweet
little girl Westie. They knew that Harry was left with some health problems, but
were willing to give Harry a forever home. I miss Harry, but it is comforting
to know that he has a great home and can live out the rest of his life with
people who can appreciate Harry for the wonderful Westie that he is.
Harry now lives on Hilton
Head Island and walks on the beach almost every day with his new forever family.
Harry loves the beach and also gets along well with his new little sister.
He is living the good
life. Thank you WestieMed!
Sincerely,
Sydney Christian
Carolina Westie Rescue |
